I've lived in Fountain Valley long enough to be knowledgeable to the point I can answer just about any question someone might have about the city.

Because of my vast knowledge, I thought I would answer some questions you readers probably have had about The Nice Place. I hope these answers enlighten you.

What do I do if a street light goes out?

Don't call City Hall to get it fixed. Instead report the light to Southern California Edison. They will come sometime this decade to repair it.

How do I know if Rainbow Environmental Services is on a holiday schedule or regular schedule trash pickup?

I've found the best way to get an answer is to see what my neighbor Mr. Hahn does. Mr. Hahn is usually the first person to put out his trash cans on my street. If he puts his cans out, so do I.

Anyone who wants to drive by Mr. Hahn's house to see if his trash cans are out can call me and I'll get you directions. You can thank me later.

Speaking of trash, are people allowed to rummage through your trash can?

The city has a "municipal ordinance" (better known as a law) against digging through trash cans. An exception would be if you accidentally threw away that winning $2 lottery ticket and you feel the need to dig into your own trash bin.

Do I need a building permit if I plan to do some home improvements?

The city's Building Division website tells us: "Any owner, contractor or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, covert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permits."

In other words, you need a permit to vacuum your living room floor.

Speaking of "The Nice Place," how did Fountain Valley corner the market on that motto?

Actually, there are several cities that have the motto, "A Nice Place to Live," like Darien, Ill., which is well known for having its City Hall entirely underground.

Incidentally, Hill Valley, the fictional town where the movie "Back to the Future" takes place, also had the motto, "A Nice Place to Live."

Longtime City Manager Ray Kromer is actually responsible for our town's third official motto. (Our first two mottos were "Fountain Valley: Where Progress Shows," and "Fountain Valley Proud.")

Ray asked a number of residents a couple decades ago what they liked about Fountain Valley. Most of them replied with the same answer: "Because it's a nice place to live."

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